Ferns and mosses are always popular in terrariums, especially amphibian enclosures where the high humidity is ideal for getting lush growth from many of the different species. Although mosses in the wild are often seen growing in shaded areas this is due to their requirement for higher ambient humidity. To get maximum growth from most terrarium mosses, alongside high humidity they still require moderate to high light intensity, the use of specialist plant lighting is strongly recommended when trying to grow mosses and ferns within a terrarium or vivarium. With a bit of effort mosses and ferns can be grown directly on backgrounds and branches alongside growing on the base of the enclosure, this gives a visually stunning appearance.

Popular mosses and ferns include Athyrium spicatum, Hemionitis arifolia, Microsorum diversifolium, Platycerium sporophytes.